Player profile

Shot-stopper Cooper made his name thanks to featuring over 500 times for Ipswich Town, helping the Tractor Boys to FA Cup and UEFA Cup victories before City snapped him up on a free transfer in July 1987.

He started his career as a striker, something that won him trials at Shrewsbury Town, but his talents in goal were quickly noted and his performances between the sticks were eventually enough to earn him a move to Birmingham City. Although not number one, he featured numerous times for the Blues in their Division Two promotion-winning team of 1972.

He couldn't make the number one jersey his own at Birmingham and Ipswich took advantage. Following a thirteen-year stay at Portman Road, which included a testimonial season, he made the move to City and was a regular starter in his first year at the club. City signed Martin Hodge, seemingly to replace the veteran goalkeeper, the following year but an injury to Hodge meant he remained City number one for the early part of the season.

Following Hodge's recovery, however, City boss David Pleat allowed Cooper to move on to Manchester City in March 1989 and help them to a promotion success of their own. He finished his professional career with Stockport County.